“Well, I’m inspired!” said Lake Lanier Technology Alliance (LLTA) Chairman Lance Compton after a presentation by Harris Johnson of Georgia Tech’s Center for Manufacturing Information Technology. Johnson’s comments centered on the successes of the West Georgia Technology Alliance (WGTA) and suggestions for LLTA.
The WGTA was formed to observe digital trends and share common community objectives. He expanded on several successful WGTA projects including a technology newsletter between community schools, COM-NET (a system allowing the public to use computers at different locations around the community for experience) and Access Network Communications (a subscriber-owned open access broadband patterned after Electric Membership Companies). Johnson complimented Charter Communications and the Hall County Board of Education for having all Hall County schools connected, a majority by fiber optic cable.
Another key point – Have all of your community’s partners at the table and transcend county lines; public awareness is crucial!
Harris Johnson explained, “Marion County was the geographic center of Georgia, but when the railroad wanted to come through they said “NO!” Now, Marion only exists as a mile marker. If the technology train comes you can either stand by and watch it, let it run you over, or get on that train and ride!”
The next meeting of the Lake Lanier Technology Alliance is Thursday, October 10, 2002 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Clark’s Bridge Road Lake Lanier Olympic Center. The software, timing mechanisms and general technology of the sophisticated racing systems will be reviewed as we prepare for the 2003 Flatwater World Championships in September 2003. To register for the meeting or for more information on the LLTA, call Shelley Davis, 770-532-6206 or e-mail: sdavis@ghcc.com.
Pictured are officers of the Lake Lanier Technology Alliance (L to R): Donna Stephens, Limbertec, Secretary; Kevin York, Charter Communications, Vice Chairman; Lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive, Chairman and Mark Burns, McCranie & Burns, Treasurer.